Overview

Glenn Beck revisited Thomas Paine’s famous pre-Revolutionary War call to action in his #1 New York Times bestseller Glenn Beck’s Common Sense. Now he brings his historical acumen and political savvy to this fresh, new interpretation of The Federalist Papers, the 18th-century collection of political essays that defined and shaped our Constitution and laid bare the “original argument” between states’ rights and big federal government—a debate as relevant and urgent today as it was...

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Overview

Glenn Beck revisited Thomas Paine’s famous pre-Revolutionary War call to action in his #1 New York Times bestseller Glenn Beck’s Common Sense. Now he brings his historical acumen and political savvy to this fresh, new interpretation of The Federalist Papers, the 18th-century collection of political essays that defined and shaped our Constitution and laid bare the “original argument” between states’ rights and big federal government—a debate as relevant and urgent today as it was at the birth of our nation.

Adapting a selection of these essential essays—pseudonymously authored by the now well-documented triumvirate of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay—for a contemporary audience, Glenn Beck has had them reworked into “modern” English so as to be thoroughly accessible to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Founding Fathers’ intent and meaning when laying the groundwork of our government. Beck provides his own illuminating commentary and annotations and, for a number of the essays, has brought together the viewpoints of both liberal and conservative historians and scholars, making this a fair and insightful perspective on the historical works that remain the primary source for interpreting Constitutional law and the rights of American citizens.

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What People Are Saying

From the Publisher

What book does David Barton say you should read if you love your country?:

"The Original Argument is an incredibly important book not only for the times in which we live, but for future generations of Americans as well. It brings the message of our Founders to our ears again, loud and clear, and in a way that more people can understand and apply. The Federalist Papers are essential reading to anyone who seeks to understand our Constitution, and this re-working of this classic American text represents a monumental achievement. Anyone who loves their country, seeks to understand our history and our Constitution better, and who wants to pass down the American heritage to their children and grandchildren, should own and study this book." —David Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Jefferson Lies

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

What book does David Barton say you should read if you love your country?:

"The Original Argument is an incredibly important book not only for the times in which we live, but for future generations of Americans as well. It brings the message of our Founders to our ears again, loud and clear, and in a way that more people can understand and apply. The Federalist Papers are essential reading to anyone who seeks to understand our Constitution, and this re-working of this classic American text represents a monumental achievement. Anyone who loves their country, seeks to understand our history and our Constitution better, and who wants to pass down the American heritage to their children and grandchildren, should own and study this book." —David Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Jefferson Lies

Library Journal

While Beck is cited as author, student Joshua Charles initiated the idea for updating the Federalist Papers. He found the original inspirational, while its dated language proved difficult to understand. His adaptation came to the attention of Beck, who secured publication. This is an accessible version of Hamilton's, Madison's, and Jay's appeal for the adoption of the federal Constitution. Useful commentary explaining references to historical events and characters in classical literature appears, and readers Pat Gray and Adam Grupper provide a solid presentation. This audiobook, however, is an abridged version offering less than half the print essays. And the intent to support Beck's vision of a small federal government limits its appeal mostly to listeners sharing his political and social views. Others should work their way patiently through the original work, which, as Beck and followers rightly point out, is as important today as it was in 1787–88.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.

Glenn Beck, the nationally syndicated radio and Fox News television show host, is the author of Broke, The 7 and six #1 New York Times bestsellers: An Inconvenient Book, The ChristmasSweater, Glenn Beck’s Common Sense, Arguing with Idiots, the children’s version of The Christmas Sweater, and The Overton Window. America’s March to Socialism is available now from Simon & Schuster Audio or downloadable from Simon & Schuster Online. He is also the author of The Real America and publisher of Fusion magazine. Visit www.glennbeck.com.

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easy to understand guide to the federalist papers

"the original argument" is very inexpensive and a wonderful easy to understand guide to the federalist papers it is very hard to put down and has some intresting commentery and quotes by many of our founding fathers and this shows how the federalist papers came to be and there is the articles of confederation as well as the constitution this is an amazing book so many people have not read our historical documents that shaped our nation but this book makes it easy to understand for everyone great gift idea for a friend and family member

51 out of 67 people found this review helpful.

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ebdchair

Posted June 19, 2011

I Also Recommend:

Very Well Written and Relevent

I have read the Fedelist papers and the olde english is hard to understand easily. You read and reread to understand the language of the day. This book makes reading the federalist papers as easy as reading any novel on the shelf. Accurate and relevent to today-A Must Read!

47 out of 61 people found this review helpful.

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DLMaston

Posted June 29, 2011

Extremely well written and accurately adapted!!

I have read the original version of the Federalist Papers, and have never had tremendous issues with the verbiage of late 1700s. This book is a VERY faithful, modern language adaptation. The original intent is completely preserved, and the additional commentaries/overviews provide good insights. All of the papers are handled honestly and are devoid of modern political ideologies. So....regardless of your political leanings, if you have always wanted to read the Federalist Papers, but simply found the language too cumbersome....then either embrace or ignore the author's name on the cover and buy this book!

43 out of 54 people found this review helpful.

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AlwaystheStudent

Posted July 5, 2011

Very good information

The Original Argument is a good way to understand some of the concepts outlined in the Federalist Papers. If you've never read the original essays, this would be a good place to start.

15 out of 23 people found this review helpful.

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MulgaBill

Posted July 19, 2011

University education not required!

I am amazed, well, not really, to read negative reviews of Mr. Beck's work. Unfortunately there are those who are so snobbish as to insult those of us that may have difficulties really understanding the complexities of 18th century English.
Of course reading the "original" work is always desirable, however, for some that is not an easy nor comfortable option.
I have read both the "Federalist Papers" as originally written and
Glenn Beck's adaptation. I find Mr. Beck's book to be an excellent substitute for those who find our Founding Father's English at all intimidating.
I recommend "The Original Argument" most highly.

14 out of 24 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted July 3, 2011

Good work

This work is a great idea and hopefully more people will read it to understand the originals.

14 out of 22 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted August 27, 2011

Once again, Beck is right and the libs hate it.

Glenn Beck has done it again. He has captured the very essence of the Founders intentions and the antiamerican left hates it. He states names, dates and facts and the lefties fire back by calling him names. Beck is a patriot who wants to share information, much of which is fascinating. If the hearts and minds of the Founding Fathers are interesting to you, read the book.

9 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted August 2, 2011

Save yourself $9

You can read the actual Federalist Papers in a NookBook/eBook version for as little as 99 cents, and then form your own opinions rather than rely on Mr. Beck's interpretation "adapted for the 21st Century."

9 out of 31 people found this review helpful.

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6971888

Posted July 19, 2011

Glenn Beck did not actually write this book

For all of you kool aid drinkers and haters alike, you should know Glenn Beck did not write this book. It was, in fact, written by a college aged young man who gets credit in the book - but if it was his byline no one would buy it so Beck "collaborated" and the publisher out to make a bundle slapped his name on the cover.

8 out of 18 people found this review helpful.

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8559970

Posted August 1, 2011

Great Translation

This book was a great translation of the original Federalist Papers. All the Liberal and Sicialist WACK jobs giving this a bad rating sound silly when they say this is 'lies'! DUH guys, it's merely a translation from "old english" to present day verbage.

7 out of 14 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted July 9, 2011

Historical rewrite!

Once again, Beck attempts to rewrite history from his nonsensically singular viewpoint.

7 out of 58 people found this review helpful.

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Librophile

Posted July 14, 2011

Glenn makes up his own history

Mr. Beck needs to go back and really read Hamilton and Madison. I thought this was scholarly. Ha

6 out of 48 people found this review helpful.

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Boltach

Posted February 12, 2012

Geoff Boltach's Honest Review

The Original Argument by Glenn Beck kept my occupied from Feb 3 until Feb 11 2012. This book is an abridged version of the Federalist Papers – however it is edited into modern language. There are 33 of the 85 papers published by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison to make the case for a strong federal government.

It is amazing to see how much the original intent of Government has changed from the founding fathers. The founders specifically wanted and debated for a republic – not a democracy. I was surprised by two things that I had never known – First, that James Madison did not want the bill of rights included, and Second –that the three writers thought that the States would be able to hold their own against a power grab by the federal government. In addition, the intricacies of the American foundation of government were drawn upon logic, history, and interestingly enough by Madison’s admission – God’s hand.

Overall, the book is good and gave me the insight into the diatribe between those who wanted a federal government and those who opposed. I would argue that “Publius” was actively trying to find the balance of government and ultimately asking – can man rule himself?

Another thing is that I absolutely think that James Madison’s writing is dry and dull. Conversely Alexander Hamilton is great – he would be one person who I would like to meet in history – I especially loved his argument set forth in paper #11.

I will take away an even deeper love for America and its founding fathers.

Points

The founders valued personal liberty

They knew that human failings would desire more power – so they devised a system of checks and balances

Paper #11 – Alexander Hamilton’s argument for a federal navy. He suggests unity, need to teach the pompous Europeans a lesson and kick their rears!

Paper #85 – Hamilton suggests to use logic toward reason and good sense – no name calling and take the higher road when debating

Paper #51 – Madison “Justice is the goal of government.”

Paper #57 – Each person wants to be honored, favored, and respected.

Factions – because people are diverse, each group wants to favor their ideas and views. Within a free society – this is valued.

Paper #36 – Hamilton “There are strong minds in every walk of life who can rise above the disadvantages of their situation, and whose reputation can command the respect of those not only from their class, but from society in general. The door of elected office should be open to all…”

Just my thoughts

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted August 6, 2011

Somewhat expected the fraud, but still amazed how artfully it is hidden

The book starts out with the premise that a college student claims the Federalist Papers are hard to read, and that it was required to translate them to 21st Century English so Americans could comprehend it. The truth is that the Federalist Papers are very easy to comprehend to anybody with at least a 7th grade reading level. However, the writer knows most people buying the book were too lazy to read the Federalist Papers to begin with, and will not read them now because they believe Glenn Beck has given them everything they need to read on them. It is truly brilliant what Glenn Beck and has protege have done here. Mr. Beck puts his name in big red letters on the cover so his followers, and even his enemies will purchase the book. His followers (including some of my family members) buy and believe just about everything Glenn Beck puts out. The other truly artful move Mr. Beck has done with regard to his enemies that purchase the book, is after the cover he puts the whole book on a college student so any attacks against Mr. Beck will be redirected to this "innocent college student" just trying to help everyone out with their history. Just as Glenn Beck refuses to believe President Obama has any good intentions for America, I refuse to believe that any college student in America is so dumb that he truly believes the premise to this book. So the only logical conclusion is this college student has figured out how Glenn Beck makes millions of dollars distorting reality to create fear. While I believe this book is a fraud from the first premise, I also tip my hat to these two for making such an elaborate one.

4 out of 24 people found this review helpful.

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3181846

Posted July 26, 2011

Horrible!

Whar a horrible piece of garbage!

4 out of 43 people found this review helpful.

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Michael-K

Posted August 9, 2011

Good for a Laugh

I found this difficult to read as a book to be taken seriously. We all know Glenn Beck has been off his rocker for some time now, but he really needs to find a new hobby these days. I thought this would be similar to his knock-off of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense". And I was right. If you read that book, you'll have a good idea of what this book is about - a bitter reactionary trying to equate 21st Century globalisation and the failure of unregulated markets in non-commodity enterprises to 18th Century taxation disputes and the revolution of the Enlightenment. Maybe if you're in the "Tea Party", you'll be at the mental capacity that this book is aimed at. If you're a rational educated person, you're probably not looking into this book in the first place.
Don't waste your time.

3 out of 26 people found this review helpful.

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Maggie_A

Posted December 7, 2011

Big disappointment

This book does not do what it claims - it is not well written and does not make the Federalist Papers more accessible or easy to understand. Just read the original. This book is a jumbled mess.

1 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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pencilpusher

Posted September 3, 2011

To paraphrase a paraphrase of George Santayana

"Those who read history by uneducated charlatans are doomed to repeat it."

I don't know what the sales rank of this book is, but it would suit the audience better if it were a pop-up book.

1 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

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